There was an announcement on Yuruyuri‘s official anime website that the new anime will be released as an OVA, and not as a third season of TV anime. This will all happen sometime this year.

Link: Yuruyuri Official Anime Website

The OVA is scheduled to be screened at theatres in Japan, following a similar format to MS Gundam Unicorn and Ghost in the Shell: Arise.

The artwork you see above was tweeted by the series’ manga creator Namori on 9 February. More information about the upcoming OVA will be revealed at a stage event at Anime Japan 2014 (BLUE stage Program 2) on 22 March (Saturday).

Here’s the tweet:

ということで… ゆるゆり新作アニメーション制作決定！！！みなさま本当に本当に応援ありがとうございます(*’▽’*)これからも一緒にゆるゆるゆりゆりしましょー！♪♪ #yuruyuri pic.twitter.com/a7AT0AGgRr

— なもり (@_namori_) February 9, 2014

Personally, this series has been a little random, but spot on with the humor for me, and I really enjoyed my time watching the anime itself. While I may not be hankering for more from this series (not as much as I am hankering for more Hayate no Gotoku), the shift to an OVA format could mean I might be watching this at a theatre, like MS Gundam Unicorn.

What do our readers think of the OVA format and/or about Yuruyuri? Let us know in the comments down below!

Source: [Yuruyuri Official Anime Website]

The post [ANIME] Next Yuruyuri Anime Will Be An OVA! appeared first on AFA Channel!.

BREAKING!! Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler) is coming back in small and big screens!!

At the Anime Japan Kuroshiuji stage event, it was announced that the coming Kuroshitsuji 3rd season broadcasting in July 2014 will be returning to the manga – and titled Kuroshitsuji: Book of Circus. This means that they will be covering the story arc involing Noah’s Ark Circus!!

The stage event was attended by the seiyuu behind the demon butler and the 2 Grim Reapers, Daisuke Ono (Sebastian Michealis), Jun Fukuyama (Grell Sutcliff) and Noriaki Sugiyama (William T. Spears). And with special guest Takuma Terashima, who will be joining the cast as part of Noah’s Ark Circus, they updated us with additions to the already stellar cast list!!

Joker: Mamoru Miyano

Doll: Ayahi Takagaki

Beast: Yuko Kaida

Dagger: Nobuhiko Okamoto

Snake: Takuma Terashima

Furthermore, a Kuroshitsuji OVA will be going to theatres as well! An OVA titled Kuroshitsuji: Book of Murder in English, and ‘The Murder in The Castle of Ghosts‘ in Japanese (幽鬼城殺人事件編), it will be opening at theatres in Japan in Autumn 2014~

The Kuroshitsuji announcement PV can be seen here:

The rest of the returning cast:

Sebastian Michealis: Daisuke Ono
Ciel Phantomhive: Maaya Sakamoto

Baldroy: Hiroki Touchi
Finnian: Yuuki Kaji
Meyrin: Emiri Kato
Mr. Tanaka: Shunji Fujimura
William T. Spears: Noriaki Sugiyama
Ronald Knox: KENN
Grell Sutcliff: Jun Fukuyama
Soma Asman Kadar: Shinosuke Tachibana
Agni: Hiroki Yasumoto
Elizabeth Midford: Yukari Tamura
Lau: Koji Yusa
Ran-mao: Sayuri Yahagi
Undertaker: Junichi Suwabe
Fred Aberline: Hisayoshi Suganuma

All images from [Kuroshitsuji Official Anime Website]

The post [ANIME] Kuroshitsuji: Book of Circus & Cast Updates – Anime Japan appeared first on AFA Channel!.

As part of their 30th Anniversary project, MACROSS is releasing a special commemorative CD containing duets sung by characters from the Macross Frontier series, titled NyanCora (nyan nyan collaboration)!

Featuring characters from the latest Macross Frontier series in iconic partnerships (beyond the classic Sheryl Nome x Ranka Lee pair), they will be bringing us new takes on classics from the earlier Macross series, such as Luca and Nanase’s Koi no Banana Moon from Macross II, Grace and Leon’s 0-G Love from the very first Super Dimension Fortress Macross.

Alto and Brera on “Xiao Bai Long” – from LisAni news

There are also crossover collaborations with Nekki Basara from Macross 7 with Ranka Lee from Macross Frontier on the FIRE BOMBER classic Remember 16, and the classic duet from Mylene Flare Jenius from Macross 7 with Rin Minmei from Super Dimension Fortress Macross on Friends~Jikuu wo Koete.

For the newer (and younger inductees) there’s also Aimo~Tori no hito now by Mao and Sheryl Nome, and Lion in a self-duet by both mini and giant versions of Klan Klang, both popular favourites from the Macross Frontier series.

Macross 30th Anniversary Super Dimension Duet Compilation “Nyan Cora”
[マクロス30周年記念 超時空デュエット集 娘コラ×]
Release: 26 March 2014
Cost: 2000 yen (before tax)

Album jacket – from LisAni news

Tracklist:

1. REMEMBER 16 <Macross 7> *New recording
   Nekki Basara (Yoshiki Fukuyama) <Macross 7> x Ranka Lee (Megumi Nakajima) <Macross Frontier>

2. Koi no Banana Moon 恋のバナナムーン <Macross II>*New recording
   Luca Angelloni (Jun Fukuyama) x Nanase Matsuura (Houko Kuwashima) <Macross Frontier>

3. Runner ランナー (Big Klan Version) *First recording
   Mikhail Blanc (Hiroshi Kamiya) x Klan Klang (Megumi Toyoguchi) <Macross Frontier>

4. Uchuu Meotobune 宇宙夫婦船 (Couple Spaceship) <Macross Frontier> *New recording
   Jeffrey Wilder (Touru Ookawa) x Monica Lange (Rie Tanaka) <Macross Frontier>

5. 0-G Love <Super Dimension Fortress Macross>
   Grace O’Connor (Kikuko Inoue) x Leon Mishima (Tomokazu Sugita) <Macross Frontier>

6. Totsugeki Love Heart 突撃ラブハート (Bobby-less version) <Macross 7> *First recording
   Ozma Lee (Katsuyuki Konishi) x Catherine Glass (Sanae Kobayashi) <Macross Frontier>

7. “Xiao Bai Long” 小白竜 <Super Dimension Fortress Macross>
   Alto Saotome (Yuuichi Nakamura) x Brera Sterne (Souichirou Hoshi) <Macross Frontier>

8. Aimo~ Tori no hito アイモ～鳥のひと  <Macross Frontier>* New recording
   Mao Nome (Yuka Nanri) x Sheryl Nome starring May’n <Macross Frontier>

Bonus Tracks:

1. Lion ライオン <Macross Frontier> *New recording
   Big Klan Klang (Megumi Toyoguchi) x Small Klan Klang (Megumi Toyoguchi) <Macross Frontier>

2. Friends~Jikuu wo Koete~ Friends～時空を越えて～ <Super Dimension Fortress Macross>
   Rin Minmei (Mari Iijima) <Super Dimension Fortress Macross> x Mylene Jenius (Tomo Sakurai) <Macross 7>

Previews of the tracks are available at [flying dog].
Additional links: [Macross 30th Anniversary Project][Macross Frontier]

Image credits: LisAni News [jacket][duet]

Don’t forget to vote in AFACHAN’s Seiyuu-themed [WHITE DAY POLL]! Only 7 days more~ 

The post [SEIYUU/ANIME] MACROSS 30th Anniversary DUET Compilation appeared first on AFA Channel!.

I suppose you will not be logging out anytime soon because Log Horizon is set for a second season! Well… to be fair… you cannot exactly log off from Elder Tale anyway (more on that below).

At the end of the season finale, there was a notice that the second season will air in fall this year (see our top image), and that cannot get any better.

Of course, there were tweets by the staff and author of the light novel itself congratulating on the success of this season. But before I get to that…

If by any chance you have no idea what this series is about (and want to get in on the action too), this series is about a really popular MMORPG going by the name of Elder Tale, where its player base gets to experience the game’s latest expansion pack in a way that is larger than life – they actually PLAY the characters in the world and experience it as if they were there. No, I think it can even be safe to say (to some degree) that they are inside the game, because they find that they cannot log out of the game.

The story follows the adventures of Shiroe, Naotsugu and Akatsuki as they travel the world and learning its secrets, protecting their zone and its interests, and in the process forming alliances with the major guilds within Akihabara so that they may govern themselves in the interim, while they searched for a true purpose of being int eh game, and even how to get out into the real world.

But perhaps the most important question is… can they retain their sanity while searching for the way out? Otherwise, its a show full of building relationships, getting stronger, and protecting and doing what is right, without sinking into chaos as much as possible, and not ruining the world and their relations with the People of the Land (NPCs).

Log Horizon (could you mention where this is from?) 

Alright, and that’s that about the story, here are the tweets!

新ノートなんで個別のお返事するのむずかしいのですが（操作慣れてない）、お祝いの言葉、ありがとうございます。幸せなアニメ化でした。頑張って仕事します。

— 橙乃ままれ (@marmalade_macro) March 22, 2014

#loghorizon　おつかれさまでした、ご視聴ありがとうございました(*’ω’*)！そんでもって、再放送も、そのあとも、よろしくお願いします（＞＜）

— 橙乃ままれ (@marmalade_macro) March 22, 2014

It’s difficult for me to reply to all the new notes I’m getting from everyone (I’m not used to twitter), but thank you for all the congratulatory messages. Very happy about the anime adaptation. Will continue working hard.

#loghorizon Thank you for the hard work, thanks for watching the show (‘ ω ‘)！After this please continue to support the next broadcast (><)

– Mamare Touno (novellist, Log Horizon light novels)

さて、後30分程でいよいよログホライズンの最終回か。半年間応援有難う御座いました！多々反省は有るものの周りに助けられて何とか。二期あるとイイね！ Nyanta will be back! ? pic.twitter.com/la52ExSYKb

— 中田譲治 (@joujinakata123) March 22, 2014

Finally, in about 30 minutes will be the final episode of Log Horizon. Thank you for the support in the last half year! Will reflect much with the help from those around. Great that there’s a second season! Nyanta will be back!?

– Jouji Nakata (voice actor, Nyanta)

ありがとうございます！ログ・ホライズン最終回ご視聴くださった皆さん！ありがとうございました！！！ というわけで！ログ・ホライズン第二シーズン大決定！！！！！ 私たちのリアルはまだまだ続く！！d(ゝ∀・*) #loghorizon

— 松井 恵理子 (@ErikoMatsui) March 22, 2014

Thank you! Everyone who have watched the final episode of Log Horizon! Thank you! And! Log Horizon second series had been confirmed!!!!! We will continue on in the Real! d(ゝ∀・*) #loghorizon

– Eriko Matsui (voice actress, Isuzu)

お！発表されましたかね！！ログ・ホライズン2期が決定です！！！ひゃっほーい祭りだぜ！！！#loghorizon

— 山下大輝 (@DaiKing_boy) March 22, 2014

Ooh! The announcement is out! Log Horizon second season is confirmed! Hyahhooi yay! #loghorizon

– Daiki Yamashita (voice actor, Tohya)

#loghorizon アニメ スタッフ、出演者の皆様本当にお疲れさまでした！2期があったらいいなと思って描いていたので 本当に震えた…とても楽しみです 関係者の皆様ありがとうございます>< pic.twitter.com/W2QflzLAsi

— とお子 (@mokamani8) March 22, 2014

#loghorizon Anime staff, cast and crew have really put in a lot of hard work! Drawing with the thought that it’s great there’s a second season… really looking forward to it. To everyone associated with the work, thank you!

ログホラ１期おつかれさまでしたぁぁぁ！！２期も楽しみにしてます！！　#loghorizon pic.twitter.com/kyHvZF3b9I

— ジェームスほたて(飛龍捜索中) (@hotateya) March 22, 2014

Thanks for the hard work on Log Horizon season 1!! Looking forward to the second season!!

ありがとう！ありがとう！二期も宜しくお願いしますぅぅぅ！！ #loghorizon pic.twitter.com/SQROPVGzSn

— ささかま(九石/ささらい) (@sasakamakue) March 22, 2014

Thank you! Thank you! Same for the second season!!

Any of our readers stoked about the second season? Do you happen to be reading the light novels? Discuss your opinions about this series in the comments!

Source of tweets: [CR]

The post [ANIME] Stay Logged On! Log Horizon Season 2 Is Happening! appeared first on AFA Channel!.

Yep! It’s happening! Space Dandy will have a second season! Talks at AnimeJapan have confirmed that Dandy‘s adventures with QT and Meow will continue to travel the galaxy hunting for unidentified aliens, and it will premiere this summer on Japanese TV! Attending the event were voice actors Junichi Suwabe (as Dandy) and Uki Satake (as QT). And there was even a Meow kigurumi moving around the place!

Personally, Space Dandy is one of a few shows I watch just so I can kick back, relax and have some good laughs without taking the show too seriously – which is a minor selling point I suppose. Some episodes were a little deeper in depth but generally, it was still a show you can chose not to take it seriously, and still go along fine. Knowing that there is a second season will be airing in summer gives me some relief that I can at least watch this show after a marathon of more serious stories. Anyways, here are some tweets of the event!

そして、スペース☆ガンガン&ネクターの配布実施☆両日1日3回の配布。詳細はこちら→ http://t.co/0iS9ZPWDi4 このメンバーでお出迎え。ミャウは気まぐれ登場の予定です。（宣伝・ZAKI) #s_dandy pic.twitter.com/EInheiq3QY — スペース☆ダンディ (@space_dandy) March 21, 2014

QT with Meow at the Space☆Dandy booth.
You can visit the link for more information. Meow is scheduled to make appearances.

【アニメジャパン情報】博報堂DYブースにてネクターの配布始まりました☆ぜひお立ち寄り下さいっ♪(宣伝・ZAKI) #s_dandy pic.twitter.com/OagwObIo1W — スペース☆ダンディ (@space_dandy) March 22, 2014

Some of the girls cosplaying as the many hostesses of Boobies, a place Dandy always visits in the show – or tries to since he’s always broke.

【アニメジャパン情報】ネクターとガンガンの配布に合わせてミャウが遊びに来てくれましたー。(宣伝・ZAKI) #s_dandy pic.twitter.com/Ivv4QkyQXi — スペース☆ダンディ (@space_dandy) March 22, 2014

Meow in front of a game machine.

明日はシーズン１先行上映イベント！御参加予定の皆様、よろしくお願いします！・・・ということで、本日のAnimeJapan2014会場にて。BBPトリオ！ pic.twitter.com/5kwHrEZ5KA — 諏訪部順一 Junichi Suwabe (@MY_MURMUR) March 22, 2014

Junichi Suwabe (Dandy) wants to thank everyone for attending the season 1 sneak peek event. Also he’s posing with Meow and Uki Satake (QT). Also, looks like he’s wearing Dandy’s outfit sans hairdo.

バンダイナムコブームにミャウがいるよぉおお(((o(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)o)))是非是非みなさん会いに来て下さい！！ #s_dandy pic.twitter.com/7IHTv8gsuQ — ✡佐武宇綺✡（9nine） (@lespros_uki) March 22, 2014

Uki Satake (QT) is here posing with Meow. She is inviting all to visit Meow and have a look at the Bandai Namco stuff.

Do any of you readers watch Space Dandy too? Discuss your opinions about the series in the comments!

Source: [yaraon]

The post [ANIME] Space Dandy Season 2 Coming This Summer! appeared first on AFA Channel!.

Only in Japan would you find such masterfully decorated bento. Charaben キャラ弁 is a shorten form for “Character Bento”, where the contents of the bento are made into what resembles a character from popular anime/video games/pop culture icons.

When you look at such a masterpiece, its difficult not to wonder whether you should be so cruel to devour the character, and sometimes its even harder to choose which part you should start from. Nevertheless, these tiny creation of art are simply amazing part of Japanese popular culture.

The origins of Charaben can be traced to the days when food was just decorated nicely to entice children to consume their meals. Nowadays, there are even charaben making contests and its likely that mothers would spend time to research and create the most interesting charaben so that their children would be proud to show it to his/her friend at school.

Before you throw in the towel and bathe in misery that you would never be able to create something so delicate for your loved ones, check out this simple instructional video that guides you how to make Monokuma from Danganronpa:

Actually charaben makes use of very simple ingredients, and all you need is some creativity and nimble hands. Evidently cheese, nori (seaweed sheets) and rice are going to be the commonly used ingredients, while other items might differ from project to project, but I’m seeing sausages as a recurring ingredient.

After trying out the easy stuffs, you can move onto the intermediate level by checking out the onigiri-type charaben, where the onigiri is shaped like the character’s head and their hair is layered with various seaweed and leafy vegetables.

Something like this.

If you are daring to take on the challenge, then check out the next instructional video:

While they may not look as amazing (your mileage may vary) as some of these charaben that I found on the web (props to kasumin!), I think that video pretty much sums up the process you need to create them. Clear plastic foil used to shape the rice, rice coloring, and using an image as a reference, or just stencil them onto your ingredients.

Here are pictures of some I found:

Looks like Tomoko is still as moody as ever.

Rikka and Nibutani, shocked that they are going to be eaten?

Ranka! “Kira~!”

Yo dawg, I heard you liked to eat tigers, so I made a Taiga and a tiger so you can eat while you eat.

Inori. She must be thinking “I don’t like those chopsticks you are holding”.

This is not the first time that we had talked about charaben.  WOWJapan did a lovely coverage back where Shirley from BENTO SINGAPORE did a demonstration on how to make a kawaii Hello Kitty Bento.

You can read the article here:

WOW JAPAN BY AFA CHANNEL EP#03

Well, I’ll wrap it here! If any of you readers have tried making character bentos or intend to make some over the coming weekend, do remember to take some pictures and let us see your creations! Twitter or Tumblr is fine. Also, what ingredients would you be tempted to use in your creations? Let us know in the comments down below!

References: [Kawaii Kakkoii Sugoi][Kasumin@tokyootakumode]

The post [JFOOD] Eating Anime Characters!? Oh Wait Its Just A Charaben appeared first on AFA Channel!.

The ticketing details for Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn  Episode 7: Over the Rainbow have been announced recently after the Gundam 35th Anniversary event. While details are still pretty sparse, the Singapore screening will be on the same day as Japan so expect it to be on 17 May 2014 (Saturday) and the Malaysia Screening on 24 May 2014(Saturday). 

Check below for the respective redemption process,

For Singapore:

A purchase of the MG 1/100 Unicorn Gundam 03 Phenex will entitled you to 2 ticket redemption forms, while purchasing the HGUC 1/144 Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee (Destroy Mode) entitles you to 1.

You will have to send in the redemption forms to Sheng Tai Toys in order to redeem your tickets! The tickets will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis so don’t forget to send them in as soon as possible to guarantee your tickets!

Address your forms to,

GUNDAM UNICORN EP7
TICKET REDEMPTION
SHENG TAI TOYS PTE LTD
1 KAKI BUKIT ROAD 2 #03-07
EUNOS WAREHOUSE COMPLEX
SINGAPORE 417835

Do complete your redemption coupon and send it in fast as the deadline is stated as 20 April 2014

For Malaysia,

Same as Singapore, you would get 2 Tickets redemption forms with each purchase of the MG 1/100 Unicorn Gundam 03 Phenex and 1 for the HG. To redeem your tickets, send the completed redemption coupons to, 

GUNDAM UNICORN EP 7
TICKET REDEMPTION
LITT TAK SDN BHD
6, JALAN 4/118B,
DESA TUN RAZAK, CHERAS,
56000 KUALA LUMPUR,
WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN, MALAYSIA

Deadline for the Malaysian redemption would be 5 May 2014.

If you have missed the recent Gundam 35th anniversary event, the PV for Episode 7 can be viewed here!

Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn Episode 7: Over the Rainbow is scheduled for release on 17 May 2014.

The post [ANIME] Gundam Unicorn Ep 7 – Ticketing details for Malaysia & Singapore appeared first on AFA Channel!.

Love Hello Kitty?

Then you should really check out SingPost‘s latest collaboration with Sanrio to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Hello Kitty! With a range of interesting stamp book, folders and collectibles, don’t forget to also check out the special site set-up for this collaboration at http://www.hellokitty40.sg/

Just today, we received this custom Hello Kitty parcel from SingPost which delivers to us the press release announcing all the different LIMITED EDITION merchandise you can purchase during the campaign period as well as some goodies from the collection.

Here’s a close-up shot of the special decal pasted on SingPost’s Postpac box. Let’s begin un-boxing its’ contents!

The first thing you see is a box of milk chocolate, protected by some packing material.

Here’s another closeup before we dig further into the box!

Here we have the actual press release as well as other goodies!

5 limited edition MyStamp sets will be launched progressively in 2014 to show the evolution of Hello Kitty, and comes with specially designed Hello Kitty collectibles and stamp sheets. This is SingPost‘s most extensive release of Hello Kitty MyStamp products to date.

What we have with us is the Hello Kitty Singapore MyStamp Folder. It will be available on 16 April 2014 for SGD 18. The set comes along with a special Hello Kitty lanyard.

Check out the wonderful design of the Singapore MyStamp folder!

Not forgetting, the lanyard that comes together when you purchase the Singapore MyStamp folder set.

The contents of the entire box are laid out as shown. But let’s have a look at what you Hello Kitty lovers can purchase when it’s released on 16 April 2014.

Apart from this set. the Hello Kitty MyStamp book set ($69.90) will also be launched on the same day, and contains an exquisitely designed 8-page book with limited edition Hello Kitty MyStamp souvenir sheets and a Hello Kitty tote bag. Furthermore, you get a lanyard as well if you pre-order before 31 March 2014!

The remaining MyStamp folder sets will be released in June, August and October respectively:

• Hello Kitty Classic ($28) – Available June 18, 2014
• Hello Kitty Love and Friendship ($28) – Available August 28, 2014
• Hello Kitty 40th Anniversary Celebration ($38) – Available October 28, 2014

Collectors will enjoy a special early bird price of SGD 148 when they pre-order the entire set of SingPost x Hello Kitty 40th Anniversary Collection from now till 31 March 2014, saving SGD 33.90. As mentioned, a special Hello Kitty lanyard is also provided in addition. You can make your pre-orders at any SingPost post office or at www.stampdelight.com

Each Hello Kitty MyStamp folder set can be purchased separately or as part of a bundle, which is available at a promotional price of SGD 155 between 1 April and 31 October.

Please visit http://www.hellokitty40.sg/ for more information on the SingPost x Hello Kitty 40th Anniversary Collection.

The post [EVENT] Hello Kitty 40th Anniversary tie up with SingPost appeared first on AFA Channel!.

Unlike Tiger & Bunny: The Beginning which is a pseudo-recap of the first few episodes of the TV series with new scenes, Tiger & Bunny: The Rising is an all-new film that takes places after the end of the series. The duo’s pairing is short-lived as Apollon Media’s new owner Mark Schneider suddenly fires Kotetsu and moves Barnaby back up to the First League. And to top it off he gets a new partner, Ryan Goldsmith aka Golden Ryan, a new up and coming NEXT who was brought in to promote new heroes! Poor Kotetsu  is forced to move on and decide on what’s next for his future.

However, trouble is afoot as strange incidents similar to the city’s Goddess Legend starts appearing all around and the heroes are sent to investigate the issue as they discover new NEXTs plotting to bring terror and destruction to Sternbild.

For the uninitiated, Tiger & Bunny (T&B) is set in the city of Sternbild where superpowered individuals known as “NEXT” started appearing many years back and some became superheroes. These superheroes work for a sponsor company and whose uniforms are blazoned with advertisements for real-life companies. Their activities are being broadcasted on the hit TV show “Hero TV” where they accumulate points for their heroic deeds. The best ranked hero of each season will be crowned “King of Heroes”.

It stars Kotetsu T. Kaburagi aka Wild Tiger, a superhero past his prime with a penchant for destroying everything, and Barnaby Brooks Jr., a young up and coming superhero called the “Super Rookie”. These two contrasting heroes are forced to pair up with one another as they go through their daily routine.

The film gives you the basic premise of the characters at the start so that newcomers won’t feel too lost while watching the film. It also try to stay away from mentioning some of the important plot points from the series as best as they can. The movie will tell you that this particular scenario happened but they do not mention who was the cause of it so fans whom have yet to finish it won’t feel entirely spoiled by the film.

What I enjoyed most was that each hero does get their own fair share of spotlight from Blue Rose to Origami Cyclone, and even some of the non-superhero characters do get their own feature moment. While Kotetsu, Barnaby and Ryan are still the main focus, you won’t feel that your favorite hero didn’t get his own spotlight by the end of the film.

As for Ryan, he comes off as a very pompous, egoistical character which contrasts that of Kotetsu’s more laid back and caring nature so it’s really enjoyable to see Barnaby’s reactions to how Ryan plays out as compared to his former partner.

Who would enjoy it best?

Of course, T&B fans will definitely enjoy it the most as the entirety of this film is filled with great action and fanservice all around at each and every moment, and it only stops when the credits are done rolling! It also feels as if you’re watching an animated Japanese version of those big budgeted Marvel/DC Hollywood films so it may appeal to those American superhero fans who may want to give other superhero movies a try.

Anyone up for a great action flick or a good seiyuu cast will enjoy it as well. Definitely give Tiger & Bunny: The Rising a go since it debuts in theaters this week! “Tiger & Bunny, Over and Out!”

Movie Information:

Director: Yoshitomo Yonetani
Language: Japanese with English and Chinese Subtitles
Opening: 27 March 2014
Runtime: 100 mins
Rating: PG

Cast:

• Hiroaki Hirata as Kotetsu T. Kaburagi/ Wild Tiger
• Masakazu Morita as Barnaby Brooks Jr.
• Yuuichi Nakamura as Ryan Goldsmith/ Golden Ryan
• Minako Kotobuki  as Karina Lyle/ Blue Rose
• Taiten Kusunoki - Antonio Lopez/ Rock Bison
• Mariya Ise - Huang Pao-Lin/ Dragon Kid
• Kenjiro Tsuda - Nathan Seymour/ Fire Emblem
• Go Inoue - Keith Goodman/ Sky High
• Nobuhiko Okamoto - Ivan Karelin/ Origami Cyclone
• Koji Yusa - Yuri Petrov/ Lunatic
• Rikiya Koyama - Richard Max
• Nana Mizuki - Kasha Graham
• Mugihito - Johnny Wong
• Hochu Otsuka - Mark Schneider

Ticketing details can be viewed here! Tiger & Bunny: The Rising is scheduled for release on 27th March 2014.

The post [MOVIE] Tiger & Bunny: The Rising – Opens 27/3/14 in SG appeared first on AFA Channel!.

Love Stage!! is getting their own anime series slated to debut in July 2014, with Tsubasa Yonaga and Takuya Eguchi in the leading roles!

Izumi Sena & Ryouma Ichijou

Hopeless otaku Izumi Sena (CV: Tsubasa Yonaga) comes from an illustrious family of entertainers, but prefers to spend his time obsessing over favourite series “Magical Girl Lalalulu” and dreams of becoming a mangaka (manga artist) – despite having absolutely no artistic talent. Izumi’s dreams of a quiet life comes crashing down when he receives an invitation to film a sequel to the commercial he was in as a child, with the original boy he was casted with.

Problem is, no one knew Izumi was male, since he was a last minute replacement for the girl originally casted. In a  twist of fate, the little boy then is now wildly successful idol Ryouma Ichijou (CV: Takuya Eguchi) After outright bribery from doting brother Shougo (who’s the vocalist for rock band CRUSHERZ), Izumi reluctantly agrees to join the shoot in drag, and Ryouma and Izumi both meet once more, after ten years…

(Left) Izumi’s Dad, Mom and manager Rei Sagawa, (Right) Shougo

A collaborative effort between writer Eiki Eiki (series conceptualizer) and manga illustrator Zaou Taishi, Love Stage is a light-hearted comedy serialised in Kadokawa’s CIEL magazine. Eiki Eiki’s notorious for being the elder sister of vocalist DAIGO from BREAKERZ, and it’s pretty much an open secret that Shougo is loosely based off her own brother. In fact, Zaou Taishi has spoke about asking Eiki Eiki for pictures to base her character designs on. If you’ve read the manga, the terrible drawings from Izumi were actually deliberately drawn by Eiki Eiki using her left hand. Eiki Eiki has admitted to not being very proficient at drawing, for which we’re glad she’s working with good friend Zaou Taishi. And with her own love for manga and anime,  makes you wonder who Izumi is based off?

Tsubasa Yonaga & Takuya Eguchi, Summer Magic PV (Trignal)

SCREEN mode

The opening theme will be by SCREEN mode, formed by sound producer Masatomo (Masatomo Oota) and vocalist YOU (seiyuu Yuu Hayashi).

Images from [Love Stage!! Anime]

Edit: A previous version of this article did not mention that Izumi’s drawings were deliberately done by Eiki Eiki using her left hand.

The post [NEWS] Love Stage!! Anime Adaptation: Cast announced! appeared first on AFA Channel!.

At a recent NoitaminA Line Up 2014 Event, FujiTV announced the upcoming anime series to be airing in the NoitaminA timeslot.

Summer 2014

Zankyou no Terror (Terror in Tokyo)

A massive terrorist bombing suddenly struck Tokyo. The terrorists behind the act call themselves “Sphinx”. Now they begin a huge game that will encompass the entire Japanese population. Shinichiro Watanabe will be directing the anime and Yoko Kanno will be composing the music.

Psycho-Pass New Edit Version

A re-broadcast of the 2012 hit series Psycho-Pass edited into 11 one-hour episodes with additional new footage. It is set in a dystopia where a person’ mental state, personality and probability that he will commit crimes can be instantaneously measured with a device in each citizen’s body called the Psycho-Pass.

It follows the members of Unit One of the Public Safety Bureau’s Criminal Investigation Division.

Fall 2014

Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso (April is your lie)

Arima Kosei a was a piano prodigy who dominated the competition.

After his mother, also his instructor, passed away, he had a mental breakdown during a recital which resulted in him no longer able to hear the sound of his piano despite his hearing being perfectly fine. It has been two years later and Kosei still has yet to touch the piano.

Viewing the world in monotone, he was enjoying his life in peace until a girl changed everything. Kaori Miyazono is a free spirited violinist who’s playing style reflects her personality. She helps Kosei to return to the music world, showing him that it should be free and not rigid and structured. It will be an anime spanning 2 cours, continuing into Winter 2015.

Psycho-Pass 2

The sequel of the 2012 hit series Psycho-Pass once again featuring Inspector Akane Tsunemori and her team at Unit One, a police unit from the Public Safety Bureau’s Criminal Investigation Division.

Winter 2015

Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata (How Not to Raise a Heroine)

Aki Tomoyo, a highschool otaku working part time to buy an anime Blu-Ray box, meets a beautiful girl, Kato Megumi, on his way home one night. He models the heroine of his latest dojin game after her only to learn that she is his classmate one month later and hardly noticed by others.

Despite being a creator, Aki has no artistic ability or writing skills whatsoever so he asks for the help of Eriri Spencer Sawamura to provide the art and Utaha Kasumigaoka to write the scenario. Are they able to produce a decent game in time for Comiket?

MOVIES

Two movie projects were teased during the event as well. The first is the Psycho-Pass movie scheduled for screening in theaters sometime in early 2015. The key visual for the movie is shown as well.

Following the Psycho-Pass movie, the next NoitaminA movies will be two novel adaptations from sci-fi novelist  Satoshi Itō who wrote under the name Project Itoh and who passed away at age 34 in 2009. The novels in question would be Harmony and his first novel, Genocidal Organ (Gyakusatsu Kikan) . 

Harmony

In the future, Utopia has finally been achieved thanks to medical nanotechnology and a powerful ethic of social welfare and mutual consideration. This perfect world isn’t that perfect though, and three young girls stand up to totalitarian kindness and super-medicine by attempting suicide via starvation. It doesn’t work, but one of the girls—Tuan Kirie—grows up to be a member of the World Health Organization. As a crisis threatens the harmony of the new world, Tuan rediscovers another member of her suicide pact, and together they must help save the planet…from itself.

Genocidal Organ (Gyakusatsu Kikan)

The war on terror exploded, literally, the day Sarajevo was destroyed by a homemade nuclear device. The leading democracies have transformed into total surveillance states, and the developing world has drowned under a wave of genocides. The mysterious American John Paul seems to be behind the collapse of the world system, and it’s up to intelligence agent Clavis Shepherd to track John Paul across the wreckage of civilizations and to find the true heart of darkness—a genocidal organ.

Project Itoh also worked on the novel adaptation of hit 2008 game Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker was dedicated to him.

Psycho-Pass 2 is coming in July! I’m looking forward to see what’s gonna happen to Unit 1 this time. Terror in Tokyo looks to be interesting as well as the Project Itoh films. I’m a really huge fan of Project Itoh so I hope the anime movies will do the novels justice.

The post [ANIME] NoitaminA Line Up for 2014 REVEAL AT EVENT! appeared first on AFA Channel!.

RADWIMPS are (from left to right): Yusuke Takeda (bass), Satoshi Yamaguchi (drums), Yojiro Noda (vocals and guitar) and Akira Kuwahara (guitar).

We’ve been excitedly talking a lot about it, but if you’ve managed to miss the news, we’ll gladly tell you again: As part of the Japan Music Festival, popular J-Rock band RADWIMPS will be performing live in Singapore! And tickets are selling fast! They will be playing at TAB on 7th June 2014. This performance is also part of the band’s “RADWIMPS GRAND PRIX 2014 Live Tour”, which includes shows in Japan and other overseas venues.

Given that they’re currently in the midst of the Japan leg of their tour, you’d expect that RADWIMPS would be pretty busy. However, the band has very kindly spared the time for an e-mail interview with AFACHAN. Through their responses, the band members shared with us their thoughts on their most recent album, “X to ○ to Tsumi to”, gave due credit to an energy drink, discussed what they want to do in Singapore (spoiler: Merlion) and provided advice on how to best enjoy their shows.

Read on to find out more about what RADWIMPS had to say to AFACHAN

The INTERVIEW

The interview was conducted in Japanese and translated by Chibihien.

Q: For the fans of Asia, please give a brief introduction of the band. 

 We would like to think of ourselves as a four-man rock band.

Q: What do you think is the strength or trump card in RADWIMPS’ music? 

Everything stands out. That and the number of bass strings.

Q: What is the overall concept for the “RADWIMPS GRAND PRIX 2014 Live Tour” (including for Japan and the rest of Asia)?

Colour. Moulting. Transcendence. Freedom.

Q: Congratulations achieving Platinum certification for “X to ○ to Tsumi to”, your most recent album. Can you tell us more about it, and what sets it apart from your previous works? 

The sense of speed is present. We paid particular attention to keeping the song as ‘fresh’ as possible from the time the music is born until the whole song is completed.

For the 10 years that we’ve been together, this is the most excited we’ve been while working on the album.

We owe this to large amounts of Red Bull.

Q: Are there any songs on the album that you are particularly fond of or have a special meaning for you?

Satoshi Yamaguchi: “Perfect Baby”.  You can’t help but feel good after listening to it. It seems like something would happen.

Akira Kuwahara: ”Kaishin no Ichigeki”. It feels great and it’s lots of fun performing the song live. I think everyone would like it as well.

Yusuke Takeda: ”DARMA GRAND PRIX”. A song that everyone can dance to, and very fun to play.

Yojiro Noda: ”Iron Bible”. It’s a fusion of everyone’s senses and skill, making a very comfortable feel. I think it’s a song that can only be created by us as a band.

Q: “RADWIMPS GRAND PRIX 2014 Live Tour 2014” will mark the first time fans outside of Japan get to see you perform live. What should your overseas fans expect from your shows? 

We’ve always wanted to perform overseas. Finally, that wish has come true. There must be people who have been waiting for us, and we hope to exceed their expectations multiple times with our live performance.

Q: What is your impression of Singapore? Is there anything you are looking forward to doing when you travel here?
Merlion, casino, smart people with high IQ, ability to speak English, the hotel with the boat on top and ginger chicken.

Kuwahara: I want to see the Merlion.
Yamaguchi: I want to take photos of the streets.
Takeda: I want to go to the casino.
Noda: How much are you bringing?
Takeda: 50,000 yen.
Everyone: That’s so little. (laughs)

Q: To enjoy a RADWIMPS live performance, what kind of mental attitude should a fan have?

Leave all your worries behind and enjoy yourself to the fullest. Do whatever you like!

Q: Do you have a message for your fans in Singapore and other overseas countries?

We are very excited for our first overseas live performance.

Please be ready for us. We are looking forward to be able to meet everyone.

I am looking forward to the Merlion. 

About RADWIMPS

RADWIMPS was first formed in 2001, whose 5 original members were friend since middle school. Their activities centred around Yokohama, while attending school. In 2002, they were awarded the grand prize at the Yokohama High School Music Festival, with the song ”Moshi mo”, which was subsequently released as their debut single in May 2003. Their first album was also released in the same year in July through the independent label, Newtraxx. The members then went on hiatus to focus on studies after a further guest appearance at the Yokohama High School Music Festival.

In March 2004, members Kei Aso, Yusuke Saiki and Akio Shibafumi decided not to resume band activities. RADWIMPS resumed activities with new members Satoshi Yamaguchi and Yusuke Takeda, who were acquaintances of the original members when they met at the Yokohama High School Music Festival.

In between 2 tours, the band recorded and released their second album in March 2005. In November the same year, they made their major debut under Toshiba EMI with “Nijugoko-me no Senshokutai”, charting in the top 50. Their major breakthrough came with the release of their 3rd album, which charted at 13th place on the Oricon charts.

They achieved 2 number one singles with the release of “Order Made” and “Dada” in 2008 and 2011. Their 5th album was also certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

Their 7th album, “X to O to Tsumi to” was released in December 2013, and also in Singapore on February 14, 2014. The band will be on tour in 2014.

RADWIMPS’ 7th album, “X to ○ to Tsumi to” is now available in Singapore at CD Shops like HMV, priced at S$19.90

Don’t miss your chance to watch this amazing band live in Singapore; get your tickets at Miticket+. Also, check out AFACHAN’s live report of RADWIMP’s awesome concert in Yokohama.

For more details on their upcoming show in Singapore, please visit, http://radwimps.japanmusicfestival.asia/

The post [INTERVIEW] RADWIMPS’ Singapore; Hotel with a boat, Ginger Chicken and the Merlion? appeared first on AFA Channel!.

Missing something from your fingers? Nope not referring to the 1 carat diamond ring or the blink blink you put on to show off your riches…

Check out the latest in Japanese fashion, after their Charabento, Itasha, Itaindou and Itachari~ We now have,

ITANAILs!

based on the concept of printing anime characters onto your nails, the beauticians at VenusRico Nail Salon presents their ItaNails! And you can finally have your favourite anime at your finger tips~

Collaborations

VenusRico also have official collaborations with the school live, MMD animated anime, Tesagure! Bukatsu mono which features seiyuu Satomi Akesaka, Yua Suzuki, Asuka Nishi, Aoi Takahashi, Karin Ogino, Koharu Tanaka and Ayaka Oohashi.

And the Seiyuu sentai rangers, VOICETORM 7!!

About Venus Rico

And with so much emphasis on having the anime characters on you hand, it is no wonder that VenusRico Nail Salon is situated just a 15 minutes walk away from Akihabara train station and a street from the UDX building.

Price-wise, it would cost from 5000 yen to an upwards of 12,000 yen to apply, a small cost for the lovely nails. 

You can find out more about the VenusRico Nail Salon on their website, http://venusrico.com/

Picture credit: VenusRico Nail Salon

The post [FASHION] 痛ネイル- ITANAILS rising! appeared first on AFA Channel!.

Since 2008, May’n has been an important influence on my Anime Song music preferences, something unavoidable ever since watching her rehearse Diamond Crevasse.

And over the years, her way with music has improved greatly with her maturing vocals, gaining better control of emotions with every performance, making every one of her shows to be unique and endearing.

This songstress from Nagoya was the winner of the 28th Horipro talent hunt, making her the best out of a total of over 34 thousand entries. Her win kickstarted her singing career at the tender age of just 13, officially debuting in 2005.

Allow me to introduce to you the top 10 songs that got me hooked. Some songs might seem a bit distanced, some are not even theme songs for anime, so do stay with me here. All of these songs are really good!

ViViD

Opening song for the anime Blood Lad, it struck me with it’s numerous repetition of the word ViViD. And before long, I’m already humming the song while trying not to break into dance! Without a doubt, it’s one of the more flashy and catchy songs recently.

今日に恋色 - Kyō ni Koiiro

The opening theme song for the 2014 Winter anime, Inari Kon Kon Koi Iroha. This is actually a collaboration with livetune(Kz), the song was released just last month in Japan.

もしも君が願うのなら - Moshimo kimi ga negau nonara

Not an anime song. This title is actually the theme song for the PSP Game Valkyria Chronicles 3, it was released only in May’Ns’ second album “if you…” in 2011. I almost never got to hear this song, since I don’t really game on the PSP.

I totally am in love with the emotional aspect of her voice in this song!! Always looking forward to hearing this live during concerts.

シンジテミル - Shinjitemiru

Again not an anime song, but it should feel familiar, after all it is a theme song for one of the most popular movies of 2010, “The Incite Mill”.

Have you noticed?

May’n last Solo live in Singapore was actually all the way back in 2011, in the UNITE!! Asia tour.

Iteza Gogo Kuji Don’t be late

A song from the Macross Frontier collection. No surprise here, this is afterall her most powerful song during her time singing as Sheryl Nome. She has opened some of her earlier concerts with this song, using it like a call for attention from the audience to listen to her.

Released in 2008 as the first single by Sheryl Nome starring May’n along with Diamond Crevasse.

妖精 - Yousei

This lovely ballad is also part of the Macross Frontier Collection, depicting about how Sheryl is trying to live up to everyone’s expectations as a fairy. A song that would defnitely resonate with many of you living under the same high expectations to perform.

Along with it’s slow tempo, May’n's vocals and emotionally stirring rendition, it has put tears in my eyes many times. At concerts, she would usually follow up with a high tempo song like Diamond Crevasse or the next song…

Pink Monsoon

A newer title in the Macross Frontier collection, Pink Monsoon was written for the movie Macross Frontier: Itsuwari no Utahime. In the movie the song is depicted as Sheryl Nome’s début single at the age of 16. Written by  Gabriela Robin, and music composed by Yoko Kanno, this song is very different from the rest of the Macross Frontier collection with a hint of maturity.

This style continues for Sheryl Nome in her other song also for the movie.

Universal Bunny

Also written for the movie adaptation, and used as the CM Song of Macross Frontier: Itsuwari no Utahime, the song sets out to define the maturity of Sheryl Nome, and May’n~ released only on a Mini -album of the same name just a month before May’n's twentieth birthday, which is Japan signifies becoming an adult.

Trivial: Despite being the more mature character in Macross Frontier, May’n is actually the younger one between her and Megumi Nakajima(Voice of Ranka Lee), by four months.

キミシニタモウコトナカレ - Kimi Shinitamou Koto Nakare

One of my favourites actually, this is the opening song for the future drama, sci-fi, and spiritual?? anime, Shangri-La. No many people liked the show due partially to the confusing and seemingly random plot line. Did you know, the opening song remained the same through out the 24 episode.

Kimi Shinitamou Koto Nakare was shipped out as May’ns’ first single after her name change from Mei Nakabayashi and the first after her run as Sheryl Nome.

Diamond Crevasse

Ah still my favourite, the video is from 2008, her first TV appearances and the most similar to when she performed at AFA08. Quite a trip down the memory lane, no?

On watch list,

Re:Remember

May’ns’ latest song revealed as you can see from the trailer of the School Live, sci-fi anime M３～ソノ黑キ鋼～. Sounds like another ballad from the songstress that would leave a deep impression on me.

The above are my 10 picks for some May’n's best song in my opinion, some of them I would gladly pay a premium to view. What are your favourites? Do let me know in the comments!

And so, with May’n Road to Tenth Anniversary Japan & World Tour, I sincerely hope that she would perform some of the songs listed in my list as they defined May’n as a world class singer for me.

Fortunately for us in South East Asia, May’n will be stopping by in 2 major cities, in Singapore and Jakarta in the month of May 2014, before heading off to the other parts of the world. Her “Dots and Lines” is currently on the way in Japan.

So don’t miss this chance to catch May’n's SOLO live in these 2 cities!!

Edit: An earlier version of this article erroneously stated that ViViD was the opening theme for Btoom.

The post [MUSIC] MUSIC of MAY’N, MY TOP 10! appeared first on AFA Channel!.

Thank you, thank you for voting!! We’ve heard you and as promised, here are the features on the seiyuus behind your favorite Uta*Princes.

Backstage at Maji Love Live 3rd Stage, © tatsuhisasuzuki.com

Girls girls girls, I know I said the married men were fair play, but not only did you send one into the top five, you sent TWO into the top five and ONE of them into the top spot!! (cue hysterical laughter)
Like all good fangirls, you all only want what you can’t have~ Tsk tsk tsk.

As the seiyuus behind the singing idols from the Uta no Prince-sama universe, you would expect all of them to have at least have an amazing set of pipes – and yes they do!
As most of you may have known them from Uta no Prince-sama, as a White Day special gift on behalf of your favorites, we’ll be showcasing their own singing styles away from their Uta no Prince-sama personas.
Get ready, as there may be some surprises from the past…

And here are your TOP FIVE:

[1] Mamoru Miyano

(Tokiya Ichinose, STARISH) 32 votes – 17%

Yes girls, we heard you! With age, visuals, height and singing prowess on his side, Mamo is probably the closest to the idol world for a male seiyuu. He has long shed his boy-next-door image at 25 years and evolved into a confident singer equally adept at power ballads and pumping dance tracks.

Identity PV

Combining the traditional and the modern, you have Mamo taking on pop idol-worthy dance moves in traditional garb; plus the haunting shamisen weaving beautifully throughout the entire tune.

Kuon (Koutetsu Sangokushi ED)

From the live event for Koutetsu Sangokushi,  Kuon was also his debut single under King Records. Other favorites from this series would be Kurenai no Tsuki and Koubou, both character songs as Rikuson Hakugen.

[2] Tatsuhisa Suzuki

(Ranmaru Kurosaki, QUARTET NIGHT) 21 votes – 11%

Frontman for rock band OLDCODEX under Lantis subsidiary Glory Heaven. Not only has he been charming the socks off fangirls with his searing vocals and those pretty eyes, he has also been experimenting with composition. OLDCODEX will be coming back with a full album [A Silent, within The Roar] on 2 April, which will include 2 of his own compositions, Rage on and wire choir.

WALK PV Short Version: 1st Ending theme for Kuroko no Basuke S2

Plus, in a tongue-in-cheek jibe from the makers of Kuroko no Basuke, have some Takao singing Catal Rhythm, a previous ending theme for Kuroko no Basuke also by OLDCODEX.

AFACHAN: [MUSIC] OLDCODEX’S 3RD ALBUM 「A SILENT, WITHIN THE ROAR」

Before fronting OLDCODEX, Tatsu originally had his own solo career under Lantis, with a total of 4 singles and 1 album under his belt. He landed a artiste contract after being scouted by the shachou of Lantis, who was impressed by Tatsu’s live performance at a Saint Beast seiyuu event in 2004. He quickly debuted with single “Just a Survivor” in 2005, also the opening theme song for anime “Sukisyo!!”.

VOICE PV: Ending theme for anime Tide-Line Blue 

Behold a younger Tatsu at the tender age of 21. (almost 10 years ago!!)

[2] Shouta Aoi

(Ai Mikaze, QUARTET NIGHT) 21 votes – 11%

Before Shouta Aoi started his seiyuu career, he had his own solo singing career under the name SHOWTA, with King Records. His uniqueness comes from his ultra feminine voice, which his earlier singles used to great effect.

TRANS WINTER PV

His second single under the name SHOWTA, this song was used as an insert song for TV Asahi’s drama Damens Walker.

Voicing Ai Mikaze was his big break into the seiyuu world, and has been known to be a frequent collaborator with Elements Garden. He has also contributed an insert song to Kimi to Boku, another anime for which Elements Garden wrote the soundtrack for. Additionally, he does the demo versions for the Uta*Puri songs.

VIRGINAL PV preview

His first single under the name Shouta Aoi, scoring 8th on the weekly Oricon charts. Also check out album Blue Bird if you liked this~

[4] Tomoaki Maeno

(Camus, QUARTET NIGHT) 20 votes – 11%

Unlike the rest on this top five list, Maeno is not really known for his singing. He can really sing, just that he hasn’t really had much releases under his own name. The only one that comes to mind is a single from 2009 [for You..], which managed to rank 18th in the weekly Oricon charts.

Tomoaki Maeno [for You…] CM

Maeno is much better known for his voice-acting versatility, especially his velvet baritone. Able to take on roles from shounen-types to middle-aged ojisans, he’s got quite a following garnered from otome games. He first gained recognition from his lead role in Toshokan Sensou (Library Wars) as Atsushi Dojo. Other memorable roles include Fujimoto from Kobato, Junichi Tachibana from Amagami SS, and Kou Yukina from Sekaiichi Hatsukoi. He was also named Best Male Newcomer at the 2010 Seiyu Awards.

Tomoaki Maeno Hyakka Seiran

In a bit of coincidence, Maeno and Tatsu were classmates when they were both attending the Japan Narration and Acting School, and later co-starred in and co-hosted the radio show together for Toshokan Sensou (Library Wars).

[4] Kenichi Suzumura

(Masato Hijirikawa, STARISH) 20 votes – 11%

A veteran in the seiyuu world, and likely a familiar name to many seiyuu fans, his many famous roles include Zack from Final Fantasy VII, Hikaru Hitachiin from Ouran High School Host Club (and Kaoru in the drama CD version), Sougo Okita in Gintama, Lavi from D.Gray Man, and recently Murasakibara in Kuroko no Basuke.
In addition to the numerous character songs he has lent his voice to over the years, he has also gained increasing recognition as a solo artiste. Known for penning his own lyrics for his songs, his music has his own cheery signature style, with some of the nicest CD jacket designs I’ve seen.

Messenger PV

Shiroi Karasu: Ending theme for anime Code:Breaker 

In 2012, he set up his own artiste management agency, which shares the same name as his debut single, INTENTION.

The rest of the results are as follows:

I’m surprised you fans managed to stuff OnoD into the polls! Maybe I should have included the boys from HE★VENS too~ Looks like Kamiya is absolutely unstoppable, he even managed to squeeze himself into a completely unrelated poll, even beating poor Morikubo T^T. A true winner of the ‘Kamiya Hiroshi’ award for popularity… and Kensho, you too!!
Shall not address KAMEN RIDER GIRLS…

The post [WHITE DAY POLL RESULTS] SO WHICH UTA PRINCE DID YOU WANT WHITE DAY GIFTS FROM? appeared first on AFA Channel!.

The second wave of Anisama Artistes have been announced! It also seems that they are all Idol groups this round.

This annual event, the biggest worldwide on the anisong calendar, is set for 29, 30 and 31 August 2014 at the Saitama Super Arena, with 2014 marking the 10th outing of this mega franchise. Themed ONENESS, the theme song will be composed by JAM Project’s Masami Okui and arranged by Takayuki Hattori

The second press announcement today reveals artistes that have been brought back from last year’s Anisama, in additional to the already announced first wave. Today’s announcement includes artistes such as μ’s from Love Live! School Idol Project, THE IDOLM@STER (Million Stars) and Miss Monochrome, who appeared as a secret guest last year.

The new artistes that were announced are:

Day 1 (29 August, Friday):

• Wake Up, Girls! (Wake Up, Girls! OP & ED)
• STAR☆ANIS (Aikatsu! OP & ED)

Day 2 (30 August, Saturday):

• THE IDOLM@STER
• THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls
• THE IDOLM@STER Million Stars

Day 3 (31 August, Sunday):

• Afilia Saga (NouCome OP, Hyperdimension Neptunia ED)
• μ’s (Love Live! School Idol Project)

The first pre-order balloting for Anisama 2014 tickets will be available to Animelo and animeloLIVE!members starting from 1 April 2014 , 3:00 PM JST, to 21 April 2014, 12:00 PM JST.  General ticket sales will commence on 29 June. Each ticket for each day will be sold at 8700 JPY (~110 SGD/ 980 000 IDR)

Source: [Anisama tv]

The post [MUSIC] Animelo Summer Live 2014 – Second Wave of Artiste Announced appeared first on AFA Channel!.

Deception IV: Blood Ties, is the latest game in the strategy-RPG “Deception” video game series, where you get to deceive your enemies and kill them with well-placed traps. You play as Laegrinna, the daughter of the Devil, who is on the hunt for 12 artifacts held by descendants of the people who locked your father away in an eternal prison.

The aim of the game is to lure unsuspecting victims into traps that you’ve masterfully set up in a handful of rooms. While you have some skills, like heal, roll and barrier, you are technically not a good combat fighting and instead will have to rely on wits to bait your intruders into the lethal traps to properly dispose of them.

The traps are categorized into 3 basic groups, Sadistic Torment, Elaborate Death and Humiliating Demise, and earning points for each of those types of contraptions will net you points to unlock even more traps within that category. The game boasts over 120 traps, ranging from the comical classic banana peel on the floor, to the painful Iron Maiden, so there is plenty of ways to torture your visitors.  The challenging part is that you have to set the traps as quickly as possible in the grid provided, and use the combo system to rake up high scores if you wish to climb to the top of the online leaderboards.

While the game can get rather frustrating at times with all the possible iterations of this sadistic Rube Goldberg-based puzzle game, stringing the right combination of traps together can result in the most hilarious, or gory outcome (whichever floats your boat really). You are also encouraged to pay attention to the surroundings inside the rooms and make use of them to your advantage, be it the falling chandelier, or the turning gears, these can provide you with the added boost of damage needed to finish off those more stubborn bosses with large health bars.

Apart from the story mode, the game also has a “Missions” and “Free” mode where you can boost your experience points to unlock more trap options. The “Missions” mode gives you a pre-determined set of traps and a room, where you would need to use the given traps to complete various objectives set up. The “Free” mode affords you with a little more liberty when it comes to trap and room selection. Both modes provide you with ample practice before facing the more… shall we say… persistent fights.

The game has been released for both the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita. If you are debating which platform to get the game on, the only major difference with the Vita version is that players can utilise the touchscreen to set off traps. Of course, its Vita games are slightly cheaper compared to it’s PS3 counterpart. I personally went for the Vita version because the portability of the handheld device, so it allows me to release that inner sadist wherever I want. I highly recommend this game, the high number of combo possibilities allow for countless number of hours of fun while you are on the go.

Game in a Glance:
Players: 1 
Developer: Koei Techmo
Publisher: Koei Techmo
Rating: Mature
Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita
Release Dates: 25th March 2014 (NA), 28th March 2014 (EU)

Pros:
Outcomes can be hilarious
Playing as the villain is a refreshing twist
Countless number of ways available to complete each level

Cons:
Laegrinna is really squishy
Lots…. and I mean LOTS of trial and error
Game can get very repetitive if you are not creative enough

Recommended? – YES!

The post Release Your Inner Sadist with Tricks and Traps in Deception IV: Blood Ties appeared first on AFA Channel!.

Cosplayers from our region, has always been rated based on aesthetics, how good looking the cosplayer is, or how high quality the costume is;

It is to a scale that cosplayers in the region has been very well recognised as being good looking and their accurate portrayal of  the character they are role playing.

Thus at the recently concluded Anime Japan just 2 weeks ago, we got to see some cosplay unique to the Japan. For us it was really a breath of fresh air!

The Team Cosplays!

Team Cosplay has always been fun!

Erm… Pikachu and Jolteon called and ask for their pictures to be displayed…

The SOLOS!

Going out to have fun. Doesn’t matter who’s watching, but just having fun.

They met at the entrance, really!

The creative also gets their way and stunt people with their interesting costumes.

Time for revenge…

Shall I be Kotori’s snack?

Cosplay can be about current affairs too, you know?

With that bombshell, We wish you a happy cosplay at the next event! Do tell us which is your favourite in the comment!

The post [COSPLAY] Anime Japan 2014, Tokyo Big Sight appeared first on AFA Channel!.

Categories: JCOLLECTOR In the final episode of Gundam Build Fighters, there appears bootleg copies of Gunpla in the form of un-launched products. But it is way nastier in real life with various bootlegs of Bandai’s Gundam Plastic models appearing in the market. So much so that it has come to the attention of Gundam Info, releasing the following […] (Read more...)

The post [PSA] BEWARE OF BOOTLEG GUNPLA!! appeared first on AFA Channel!.

Catch the next episode of Bushi Navi International on YouTube on April 15, at 7pm (UTC/GMT – 7:00)! Do note the change in time slot!

Los Angeles: April 15, 7pm
New York: April 15, 10pm
London: April 16, 3am
Singapore: April 16, 10am

The post [LIVE] BUSHI NAVI INTERNATIONAL Episode 2 appeared first on AFA Channel!.